Check Out These 9 Famous Landmarks During Their Construction

We’ve gotten so used to seeing these international landmarks in all their modern glory that it’s hard to imagine a time when they didn’t exist. These photos showing the incredible structures only half built will change the way you see them forever!

Eiffel Tower

Image source: webodysseum.com

This iconic Parisian tower was named after Gustave Eiffel, the owner of the company that designed and built it. It was designed as the entrance for the 1889 World’s fair, and took 2 years to build from the time the foundations were laid. Today it is the most-visited landmark on the planet, with around 7 million visitors every year.

Statue Of Liberty

Image source: photo.sf.co.ua

This huge statue representing Roman Goddess Libertas was a gift from France to the United States to celebrate their independence. Construction work started in France in 1876, before being shipped to the US in 1885, where it was assembled and opened to the very enthusiastic public a year later.

London Eye

Image source: riverthames.sosugary.com

Europe’s tallest ferris wheel was erected in 1999 to mark the upcoming new millennium, though its opening was delayed thanks to a technical fault. Over 15 years later it is still one of the most popular sites amongst tourists visiting London.

Manhattan Bridge

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

This iconic bridge connects Manhattan to Brooklyn in New York City, and was opened to vehicles in 1909 after 8 years of construction. Today it is very much a part of everyday life for the city, with thousands of cars passing through every day.

Sydney Opera House

Image source: io9.gizmodo.com

This instantly recognisable structure was built in 1973 as a multi-venue performing arts centre. It took 14 years in total to build and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

Tower Bridge

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

This bridge over the Thames River has become an iconic symbol of London. Construction began in 1886 and was completed in 1894, costing a total of £1,184,000 (£122 million in today’s money).

Christ The Redeemer

Image source: Pinterest.com

This giant statue in Rio De Janeiro has become a huge draw for both religious and non-religious people alike. It took nearly four decades in total to complete the monument, and was given the title of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Mount Rushmore

Image source: Lifebuzz.com

This sculpture in South Dakota depicts 4 US presidents; George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Construction work began in 1927, with the aim of attracting visitors to the region. It was originally supposed to show each of the presidents down to the waist, but a lack of funding meant that construction work was forced to come to an end in 1941.

Lincoln Memorial

Image source: Play buzz

This monument celebrating 16th president of the US Abraham Lincoln is located in Washington DC. Work began in 1914 and was finally completed 8 years later, and has been an extremely popular tourist attraction ever since, with an estimated 6 million people visiting the site every year. Since the 1930s it has also been an important symbol for race relations within the country.